Willow Hall

TM 16 NW 3/91 29.7.55

THWAITE NORWICH ROAD Willow Hall (formerly listed as Willow Farmhouse and barn)

II

Farmhouse, at one time an inn. C15 core with considerable early C17 additions (2 phases) and remodelling. Renovated from dereliction in 1970's when some of frame renewed. A main range parallel to the road with a long cross-wing to left. Matching gable to right of road frontage is a later alteration. Timber framed and rendered; exposed first floor studding, mainly to front, the gable end of the wing with serpentine braces. Plaintiled roof. 2 storeys; small attic at rear of wing. Continuous jetty to road, supported on jowled posts and 2 later timber columns. Rear section of wing, roofed at right angles to remainder, has jettied gables with moulded tie beams and carved console brackets supporting the ends of the wallplates. Mainly reproduction-style windows of 1970's, with ovolo mullions. Main range has internal stack with rebuilt sawtooth shaft. One-storey entrance addition to north of wing. Interior. Front 2 bays of wing comprise former open hall: inserted ceiling has chamfered main beam with leaf-carved stops and chamfered joists. A narrower ceiling bay immediately to the east probably denotes the position of a timber flue. Original roof lost. Remainder of wing is early C17: ovolo ceiling beams at east end, 2 original upper windows to south, butt purlin roof. Later stack against gable end; ground floor fireplace has a good re- used C16 lintol with embattled ornament and brattishing. In early-mid C17 the hall was enlarged and a new parlour built to the south, with a stack between. In front of stack, 2 doorways have ovolo-moulded frames and good moulded doors. At rear of stack is a newel stair. In parlour chamber is an indistinct inscription of 1649 painted on the plaster lining of the roof.

Listing NGR: TM1162968444